Split across two sections on key theory and key issues, this introductory textbook encourages students to think critically about culture and society by engaging with the main theoretical debates which distinguish sociology's contribution to cultural studies from the approach of other disciplines. The key issues section considers aspects of the key theory as applied to contemporary forms of mass cultural production and consumption including fashion, videogames, celebrities, social media, sports, and advertising.

Each chapter contains easy to digest learning aids including key point summaries, highlighted text boxes on key scholars, concepts, and examples, further reading suggestions, and revision and study group questions. 

This book will prove an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of Sociology, Cultural Studies, Media and Film Studies, Communication Studies, and Social Anthropology.

"An excellent introduction to the field of cultural studies and popular culture."

-          John Storey, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, University of Sunderland, UK

"This is a game changer in the field of Culture and Society. It provides a penetrating, all encompassing, examination of the key concepts, contributors and debates. It is an antidote to abstract, colourless 'Introductions'.  Recommended reading for all serious lecturers and students."

-          Chris Rojek, Professor of Sociology, City and St George's University of London, UK

"Beautifully organised and engagingly written, Culture and Society provides an invaluable introduction to key theoretical perspectives before engaging with a wide range of cultural spheres and examples, from sports to popular music, television cultures to social media."

Paul Hodkinson, Professor of Sociology, University of Surrey, UK

Split across two sections on key theory and key issues, this introductory textbook encourages students to think critically about culture and society by engaging with the main theoretical debates which distinguish sociology's contribution to cultural studies from the approach of other disciplines. The key issues section considers aspects of the key theory as applied to contemporary forms of mass cultural production and consumption including fashion, videogames, celebrities, social media, sports, and advertising.

Each chapter contains easy to digest learning aids including key point summaries, highlighted text boxes on key scholars, concepts, and examples, further reading suggestions, and revision and study group questions. 

This book will prove an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of Sociology, Cultural Studies, Media and Film Studies, Communication Studies, and Social Anthropology.

Bruce M. Z. Cohen is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. With over twenty years teaching experience, he has taught courses on cultural studies, popular culture, subcultures, education, and mental health. He is also the editor of the previous cultural studies textbook, Being Cultural (Pearson, 2012).

Anisha Sankar is a Graduate Student at York University, Toronto, Canada.

Jessica Terruhn is Research Associate at Te Ngira Institute for Population Research at the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Cameron Lawrence is a Social Worker in Sydney, Australia.